Press Release: Strengthening the EU’s partnership with the Arab World.

The Thessaloniki European Council (19/20 June 2003) invited the Commission and the High Representative to formulate a work plan on relations with the Arab World, taking full account of existing policies and programmes and, in particular, the Barcelona Process and the New Neighbours Initiative. The attached document “Strengthening the EU's Partnership with the Arab World responds to the invitation of the Council and outlines ways to achieve a better articulation and
strengthening of EU relations with the countries concerned in order to further contribute to promote peace, prosperity and stability in the region. In this context, the overall implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are also highlighted.